Welcome to Torquay & District Medical Society
Torquay & District Medical Society is a social and educational society for members of the medical profession in the Torquay area.
We hold regular dinners and other events for members, their partners and guests, and are pleased to welcome prospective members to join us.
Why not join us for our informative and entertaining programme?
Thursday 26th November 2026
Did the Phoenicians Reach America Before Christopher Columbus?
Philip Beale FRGS
Philip Beale, FRGS, explores the groundbreaking Phoenicians Before Columbus expedition, which aimed to test this bold hypothesis by recreating a transatlantic crossing in a replica Phoenician vessel.
Drawing on archaeological, linguistic, and historical evidence, Philip examines the possibility that these ancient mariners reached the Americas, leaving behind subtle but tantalizing traces.
Learn about the preparation and execution of this daring voyage, its findings, and its broader significance for understanding the global reach of ancient civilizations.
With vivid imagery and expert insights, this presentation invites audiences to reconsider the boundaries of ancient exploration.
Philip is an adventurer, sailor, writer and motivational speaker.
He participated in his first international expedition, from Fiji to Papua New Guinea, when he was 18 years old and developed a strong interest in Asian, African and Middle Eastern cultures.
He has led three international Kon-Tiki type expeditions, including the Borobudur Ship expedition, sailing an Indonesian double outrigger vessel from Java to Madagascar and around the Cape of Good Hope to Ghana , gaining the President of Indonesia’s award for Services to Indonesian Culture.
In 2008-10 he commissioned the Phoenicia – a replicate of a Phoenician galley - to retrace the first circumnavigation of Africa by the Phoenicians, as described by Herodotus.
In 2019-20, Philip created the Phoenicians Before Columbus Expedition to show that the Phoenicians could have reached the Americas Before Columbus.
He has written two books, Sailing Close to the Wind (with Sarah Taylor) and Atlantic B.C. – The Epic Recreation of a Phoenician voyage 2000 years before Columbus (published in May 2022). Details at www.Atlanticbc.net
Philip is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of the Scientific Exploration Society and is a member of their Honorary Advisory Board.
He the founder and Director of adventure travel and wildlife company Pioneer Expeditions
Join us to hear Philip Beale's tantalising story of ancient mariners and his present day expeditions to emulate their achievements.
A number of Torquay & District Medical Society, 100% silk ties are available for sale to members.
The ties feature the T&DMS badge and are excellent value at £10 each.
Please click here to contact the Secretary to purchase your tie.